Officers Seize Cocaine and Prohibited Weapon During Late-Night Arrest

THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Thunder Bay Police Service officers arrested two individuals following an incident on the evening of December 29, 2025, that has led to multiple criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

According to police reports, a male suspect was observed allegedly breaching conditions of his judicial release, which included a court-ordered curfew between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

A subsequent search of the male and a female suspect led to the seizure of a quantity of suspected cocaine and a spring-loaded knife, which is classified as a prohibited weapon under Canadian law.

Charges and Accused

Stephen Bruce Appel, 46, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine (Section 5(2), CDSA)

  • Penalty: Up to life imprisonment, depending on aggravating factors.

• Fail to Comply with Release Order – Curfew Breach (Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code)

  • Penalty: Up to 2 years if proceeded by indictment.

• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (Section 91(2), Criminal Code)

  • Penalty: Up to 10 years upon indictment.

Krystal Gourley, 43, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine (Section 5(2), CDSA)

• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (Section 91(2), Criminal Code)

Both Appel and Gourley were remanded into custody following their arrests. Gourley is scheduled to appear in court on December 31, 2025, while Appel is set to appear on January 5, 2026.

Legal Note

As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against both individuals are allegations. Under Canadian law, both accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Summary:
Thunder Bay Police arrest two individuals after alleged bail breach leads to cocaine and weapon seizure.